Coin handling apparatus



7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 10, 1964 LIA/OLE) MANN/N66 HAPPY/T DEDEMA/VN INVENTORS April 12, 1966 L. MANNING ETAL 3,245,419

COIN HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. :0, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 HAPPYF T/EDEMANN INVENTORS 97 .3 Z/A/DLEY MANNlN$ ATTORNEY April 12, 1966 L. MANNING ETAL COIN HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. .0, 1964 [/A/DLEY M/m/w/va 5 HAPEV F 770EM4NN INVENTORS Aria ave):

April 12, 1966 MANNING ETAL COIN HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. L0, 1964 m muH| n INVENTOR.

JTTOP VEYS United States Patent 3,245,419 COIN HANDLING APPARATUS Lindley Manning, Reno, Nev., and Harry F. Tiedemann, Oakland, Calif., assignors to Nevada Electronics, Reno, Nev., a corporation of Nevada Filed Jan. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 337,083 12 Claims. (Cl. 133-2) This invention relates to coin handling apparatus and more particularly to coin handling apparatus wherein coins may be individually fed into the apparatus, accumulated in a bulk storage station, and subsequently ejected individually therefrom. The coin handling apparatus is particularly useful, for example, in money changing machines, vending equipment and the like.

In machines of the kind described, increased and continued usage has shown the need to employ means forming a display column whereby coins may be exposed for visual inspection and thereby checked for counterfeit.

It is, therefore, a general object of this invention to provide an improved coin handling apparatus.

In coin handling apparatus of the kind described, wherein, for example, as in coin changers, a number of coins of a single denomination can be fed to the machine and changed into coins of a different denomination, it has been found that the coin receiving section and means for carrying the coins into a visual display column have not accepted and transmitted the coins quickly enough to provide completely acceptable service under all conditions.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide coin handling apparatus whereby a virtual stream of coins may be received by the machine and rapidly assimilated individually into a column thereof moving along a coin display column.

In many coin handling machines of the kind described for use in vending machines, coin changers and the like, a series of coins moving along one path will have to be transferred to move along a second path and accordingly, in some instances, the transferring means for changing direction of the coins has constituted a speed limiting constriction in the flow path of the coins. It is, therefore, another object of the invention to provide, in a coin handling apparatus of the kind described, an improved coin transfer means for transferring coins quickly from one path to another.

In coin handling apparatus of the kind described, for example, where a single large denomination coin is to be changed to a number of smaller denomination coins, it has been found that the smaller denomination coins, in some instances, are not ejected rapidly enough to provide acceptable performance in all circumstances.

Accordingly, it is yet another object of the invention to provide, in a coin handling apparatus of the kind described, an improved coin ejection arrangement whereby a series of coins can be rapidly ejected from the machine.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more clearly apparent from a review of the following description of a preferred embodiment when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation sectional view of coin handling apparatus according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view schematically showing the drive train and mechanism for operating the invention;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view of coin transfer means according to the invention;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged elevation section view showing coin ejection means according to the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view, partially broken away, of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view with the front cover partially removed schematically showing a bank of coin handling devices of the kind described and arranged to handle six different coin denominations; and

FIGURE 7 is a circuit diagram for operating coin handling apparatus according to the invention.

In general, coin handling apparatus has been provided which includes means, such as a conventional coin box, providing a coin receiving section arranged to receive a series of coins deposited through a slot at one end by an operator, customer or other person for delivery at the other end into a moving column of coins. Conveyor means, cyclically driven, are arranged to move continuously in a predetermined direction to carry away the coins and form them into a column moving in their own plane. Motive means are provided for moving the conveyor means continuously in a predetermined direction. Coin transfer means arranged between the coin receiving section and the conveyor means serves to receive and accumulate a number of coins in bulk condition. A coin transfer means then transfers the accumulation of coins individually to the conveyor means. At the other end of the conveyor means, and in registry therewith, there is provided means which form an upstanding coin display column arranged to receive coins from the conveyor means. As the coins pass out of the coin display column, a receiving tube is arranged to receive and accumulate them from where they can be ejected by means which is selectively operable and which can, in rapid succession, eject a series of coins from the tube.

A coin receiving section, characterized generally by a coin box 10 of conventional design includes a slot 11 for receiving a series of coins 12. In general, the coins are deposited through the slot at one end by an operator for delivery at the other end, as at 13. Equipment of this kind is generally known in the art and readily available, and further description is not deemed necessary to an understanding of the invention. Thus, the coin receiving section can employ a simple chute, whereby the coins are conveyed from slot 11 to the delivery end 13 of the coin receiving section.

The coin handling apparatus includes means arranged to carry the coins and form them into a column thereof for advancement along a display section. Thus, generally, a conveyor section 15 and a coin display section 17 are provided. A coin transfer section 19 serving to transfer coins from the delivery end of receiving section 10 to the entering end of the column is arranged to accumulate a group of coins when in its receiving disposition and then transfer the coins individually to the conveyor when swung into a coin delivering disposition. A coin ejecting section 21 serves to selectively eject coins in a series thereof from the coin display section 17. The discharged coins are received by the operator in a tray 23.

Conveyor means are arranged to be cyclically driven continuously in a predetermined direction to arrange the coins in a column thereof moving along a path lying in a plane which, as will be shown further below, extends through a discharge slot formed in the bottom of a coin receiving cup 57 when the latter is swung into its coin delivering disposition with respect to the conveyor section 15.

In order to lift the coins in an upwardly moving column thereof, a channel member 27 having spaced parallel sides dimensioned to accomodate therebetween the thickness of coins of a kind deposited in receiving section 10 is formed with an elongate opening guideway 29 as shown in FIGURE 5. A cyclically driven conveyor chain 31 provided with a number of lifting flights 33 is continuously operated in a predetermined direction with flights 33 moving upwardly along guideway 29.

Means for moving the conveyor chain 31 continuously in its cyclic movement includes an electric motor 35. Motor 35 is arranged to drive a double-sheaved pulley 37. A conveyor drive belt 39 is trained around both the smaller sheave of pulley 37 and a pulley 41 secured to shaft 42. Shaft 42 drives chain 31 by means of a pinion thereon. Chain 31 is trained around an upper and a lower pinion 43 so as to provide a lifting reach and a return reach of the conveyor chain.

Means forming an upstanding coin display column provide a coin display way disposed in registry to receive coins from the conveyor means and serving to display the coins for inspection are provided at the upper end of the coin way 28. Thus, a coin display way 45 is defined between a panel 47 of heavy security glass or other transparent material and a backing plate 49. Way 45 is further defined by side guides 51. At the upper end of Way 45, there is located a diagonal bar 53. One of the side guides 51 is shorter than the other in order to form an opening 55 which is dimensioned to permit coins to be discharged from way 4-5. As the coins are raised upwardly in display way 4-5, they eventually contact bar 53 and are directed through opening 55. As the coins are discharged, they drop downwardly into an upstanding cylindrical tube 57 to form a stack of coins confined therein. The stack of coins in tube 57 forms a supply of coins to be ejected from the machine by ejection means described further below.

Means are provided for transferring coins from the coin receiving section rapidly into the upwardly moving column of coins traveling along ways 28 and 45.

It has been found that in some instances the operator of coin changing machines and the like will desire to virtually pour a large number of coins in a steady stream into the coin receiving section 10. Use of apparatus wherein coins are individually engaged, serves to retard transmission of the coins within the apparatus and thereby slows its overall operation.

Accordingly, coin transfer means have been provided herein which serve to receive a stream of coins individually, form them into an accumulation thereof, and then transfer the accumulated coins individually to the continuously moving conveyor means.

Coin transfer section 19 comprises a cup 57 formed with a wide mouth 58 at one end disposed in coin receiving relation to the delivery end 13 of coin receiving section 10. Cup 57 further includes a cylindrical portion 59 at the lower end thereof in which a number of coins received by the apparatus may be accumulated. Cup 57 is arranged for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot rod 61. A cylindrical sleeve 63 on the exterior of cup 57 is secured upon rod 61. A key 64 serves to lock cup 57 to rod 61.

Cup 57 is formed whereby a series of coins can be passed laterally out of the bottom of the cup. A slot 65, slightly thicker than a coin to be delivered, is formed in the periphery of the cup on diametrically opposite sides thereof at a location adjacent, and substantially coplanar with the bottom surface 66 of the cup. Cup 57 is formed with a coin way portion 67 extending in a direction lead ing laterally from the axis of the cylindrical cup portion 59. A slot for passing flights 33 is formed and dimensioned in the bottom 66 of cup 57 to be disposed in registry with slot 29 of channel member 27. As lifting flights 33 pass across the bottom of cup 57 they engage a coin to carry it upwardly along way 28.

In order to deliver each coin into the plane of the upwardly moving column, way portion 67 is received in an opening 69 (best shown in FIGURE 1) when cup 57 is moved to its coin delivering position.

Cup 57 is mounted to be moved between coin receiving and coin delivering positions respectively disposing mouth 58 of the cup in coin receiving relation to the delivery end 13 of the receiving section 10 to accumulate a number of coins or to be moved to dispose the slot 65 substantially in the plane of the upwardly moving column of coins carried by the conveyor means. Means for moving cup 57 between these two positions is shown best in FIGURE 2.

A linkage including crank arm 73 carried on a shaft 74 is pivotally connected at one end to a link 75 which, in turn, is pivotally connected to a lever arm 76 fixed at its other end 77 to cup 57. Crank arm 73 is adapted to be moved in an are 78 as shown in FIG. 3. As arm 73 moves between the limits 79, 81 of are 78, lever arm 76 serves to swing cup 57 about the axis of pivot rod 61.

Control means for selectively moving cup 57 from coin receiving to coin delivery dispositions includes a clutch 83. Clutch means 83 is arranged to selectively transmit power from a drive belt 84 trained between a pulley 85 and another pulley (not shown) operating about the axis of shaft 74 but normally disengaged therefrom. Clutch means 83, when engaged, further serves to limit rotation of crank arm 73 to approximately a quarter of a revolution. Any suitable clutch mechanism can be employed for this purpose, as desired.

In order to selectively transmit power from belt 84 to crank arm 73, a start button 86 is electrically connected whereby clutch 83 can be operated for a predetermined period of time sufli-cient in all events to empty cup 57. Accordingly, by pressing start button 86 crank arm 73 rotates clockwise as shown in FIGURE 3 from line 79 to line 81. Crank arm 73 is held in the latter position until lifting flights 33 have completely discharged the cup. Upon completion of delivery, arm 73 is returned to its original position defined by line 79 (FIGURE 3) either under action of suitable spring means (not shown) or under a positive-acting drive mechanism associated with clutch 83.

Means are provided which serve to retain coins in the cup during the pivoting movement thereof from its coin receiving position to its coin delivering position and return. Coins are thereby, also resiliently urged toward the bottom of the cup when in its delivering position.

Thus, a bell crank member 87 somewhat in the shape of a W is pivotally supported on a pin 88 carried on the exterior of cup 57 substantially opposite rod 61. Member 87 is formed to include an elongated arcuate finger 89 disposed for pivotal movements into and out of the cup.

A snap action, bi-stable spring arrangement, serving to resiliently urge finger 89 into and out of cup 57, has been provided. A helical spring 91 is connected at one end to a pin 92 carried on member 87 and at the other end to a pin 93 carried on the exterior of cup 57. As the cup pivots, the axis of pin 88 moves across a line of centers defined between pins 92 and 93. Thus, to cause pin 88 to transcend the axis of spring 91, there has been provided a resiliently positioned obstructing tab 95 disposed to lie directly in the path of one or the other of a pair of arms 96, 97 formed on member 87 dependent upon the direction of movement of cup 57. Arms 96, 97, as they pivot about pin 88, form a 'bellcrank arrangement with respect to same.

Tab 95 is mounted upon a rod 99 extending between a pair of side braces 101 forming a portion of the framework of the apparatus. Rod 99 is resiliently maintained in a predetermined radial disposition by means of a pair of springs 102 connected between side braces 101 at one end and at their other ends to a rocker member 105 fixedto rod 99. Arms 96 and 97 are formed and dimensioned with respect to tabs 95 whereby in moving cup 57 from coin receiving disposition to coin delivering disposition, the tip of arm 96, during initial movement of cup 57, strikes tab 95 to move the axis of pin 88 across the line of centers defined between pins 92, 93. Accordingly, finger 89 is resiliently snapped from its initial stable condition to a second stable condition whereby coins in cup 57 will be retained. Way portion 65 ultimately is disposed in registry with way 28 whereby lifting flights 33 remove coins individually from cup 57.

During return movement of cup 57, the tip of arm 96 passes clear of tab 95. However, the tip of arm 97 does not, whereby it resiliently engages tab 95 to return member 87 to its original stable state so that coins can again be received in cup 57.

Operation of the apparatus up to this point, therefore, proceeds as follows.

Assuming that motor 35 is energized to run continuously, coins are received in the coin receiving section via slot 11. The coins pass through section 10 in a conventional manner whereby, for example, bent coins are arrested and other tests of the coins may be made. The coins are delivered from section 10 into cup 57 to form a bulk accumulation of coins in the cup. Although it may be desirable to have automatic means, for example as represented schematically by the finger 107, serve to arrest the flow of coins from receiving section 10 after a predetermined count has been reached so as not to overflow the cup, the same result may be achieved by posting a notice on the console of the apparatus whereby the operator is advised that after having inserted a predetermined number of coins they should be dispatched through the apparatus by pressing start button 86. Depressing start button 86 serves to energize clutch means 83 to rotate crank arm 73.

Crank arm 73 moves clockwise as shown in the drawings approximately a quarter of a revolution thereby swinging the bottom of cup 57 in a counter-clockwise direction about the axis of shaft 61 so as to dispose slot 65 into the plane of, and in registration with, coin way 28 of member 27. The continuously moving lifting flights 33 moving along way 66, and way 29 in registration therewith, serve to skim off the coins in cup 57 individually. The coins are then carried upwardly in a column thereof moving the plane of each until they enter coin way 45. It may be preferred to form coin way 45 with a thickness whereby a certain amount of surface friction serves to retain the coins therein so as to require the entering coins to force their way into the display portion of the coin column. The coins in way 45 are thereby carried further upwardly until upon contacting diagonal bar 53 they move out of opening 55 and drop into tube 57.

A stack of coins arranged in tube 57 can then be ejected for return to the operator by ejection means now to be described.

Having provided a coin receiving tube disposed to receive and accumulate coins therein from the coin display column, means are selectively operable to eject coins in a series thereof from the tube.

In general, means for ejecting a selected number of coins from tube 57 include a pusher-plate movable between advanced and retracted positions into and out of a gap or slot formed at the bottom of tube 57. In its advanced position the pusher-plate provides a false bottom to the tube. When the false bottom is underlying the tube it supports the stack of coins in it. However, upon being retracted, the pusher-plate permits the stack of coins to move into a position supported on the true bottom of the tube. Means are provided which serve to operate the pusher-plate a selected number of consecutive cycles as desired so as to eject a selected number of coins from the stack.

Coin ejection mechanism is shown in FIGURES 4 and 5. A slot on opposite sides of tube 57 can be formed simply by spacing the lower end of the cylindrical tube a distance above a portion of a support bed 109 of the apparatus and fixed with respect to the frame thereof. Bed portion 109 underlying the end of tube 57 thereby provides the true bottom of the tube as distinguished from the false bottom formed by the presence of a pusher-plate 111. The clearance of tube 57 above bed 6 portion 109 is dimensioned to provide a slot slightly thicker than a coin of the kind to be delivered. It will thereby be noted that the slot is formed on opposite sides of the tube substantially coplanar with the bottom thereof so as to be dimensioned to pass a series of coins laterally out of the tube. Means for selectively moving coins through the discharge slot as above defined comprises pusher-plate 111 movable into and out of slot 113, between advanced and retracted positions. In its advanced position plate 111 forms a false bottom for tube 57. In its retracted position it is sufficiently displaced to permit the stack of coins to move downwardly for support upon a portion of bed 109 forming the true bottom of the tube. Pusher-plate 111 is formed to include a track portion adapted to be selectively engaged by a power transmitting member which is movable cyclically back and forth along the track and relative thereto.

Motive means are provided for moving the power transmitting member in its own reciprocating cycle as Well as means serving to selectively move the power transmitting member continuously.

The track portion of plate 111 is formed as an elongated slot 115 extending along and through plate 111. Slot 115 terminates at one end in an enlarged opening 117 having a greater dimension than the width of slot 115. Opening 117 is preferably an annular hole such as a circular hole having a diameter greater than the dimension between the sides of slot 115. Thus, the sides of slot 115 lie upon a continuation of parallel chords of opening 117 so as to define a slot of narrower dimension than that dimension of the hole, in the plane of plate 111, measured in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of slot 115.

Plate 111 is held flush with bed 109 by means of a pair of threaded guide pins 119. One pin is disposed to extend through a guide way 121 at the forward end of plate 111 and the other through a track 115 near the rear of plate 111. Pins 119 provide a resilient urging to plate 111 to maintain it in flush relation with bed 109. Thus spring washers 123, together with conventional washers 124 serve to retain plate 111 snugly against bed 109 and still permit plate 111 to move between advanced and retracted positions through a range defined by the arrows 125. The rearward end of plate 111 is formed with an upwardly extending tab portion 126. A helical spring 127 extends to an anchor member 128 held by pin 119. Accordingly, plate 111 is normally urged by spring'127 to an advanced position underlying the stack of coins in tube 57.

Means serving to selectively move plate 111 in a cycle, from one of its positions to the other and return, so as to eject a coin from tube 57 includes a plunger-like power transmitting member 129 cyclically movable along track 115 normally relative to same. Member 129 is formed with a first portion 131 dimensioned to fit within both the track 115 and opening 117 and further includes a second portion 133 dimensioned to fit within opening 117 only.

Electrically responsive means such as a solenoid 134 serve to move member 129 into and out of fixed engagement with plate 111. Solenoid 134 therefore moves member 129 to dispose portion 133 within opening 117 at a predetermined point in the reciprocation of member 129 along track 115, namely when member 129 is aligned with opening 117.

Motive means are provided for moving member 129 in a cycle along track 115 whereby member 129 cycles continuously.

Thus a base plate or carriage 135 is hung from a pair of downwardly depending support studs 136, 137. Studs 136, 137 are each disposed in guide slots 138, 139. Slots 138, 139 are located to one side of track 115 and accommodate movement of carriage 135 in the direction and displacement corresponding to arrows 125. A fixed 75 frame comprising a pair of side plates 141 formed with 7 a transversely extending top plate 143 is hung from studs 136, 137 in fixed relation to bed 109.

Spacing Washers 145 are interposed between top plate 143 and carriage 135 whereby relative movement between carriage 135 and side plates 141 may be accommodated. Accordingly, spacing washers 145 may be of a self-lubricating material such as certain plastics which will provide a suitable bearing surface. Carriage 135 carries solenoid 134 secured to an L-shaped bracket 147. Bracket 147 includes a journal 149. A pin 151 pivotally secures one end of link 1553 to journal 149. The other end of link 153 to journal 149. The other end of link 153 is pivotally coupled by a pin 155 to engage a rotating crank arm 157. Arm 157 is keyed, 158, to rotate with the shaft 159.

Means for driving shaft 159 is best shown in FIGURE 2. The larger sheave of pulley 37 driven by motor 35 serves to drive a belt 161 in a cyclic path whereby shaft 159 is continuously operated clockwise as shown in FIG- URES 2 and 4.

Clockwise rotation of arm 157 serves to reciprocate the solenoid assembly including solenoid 134, carriage 135 and power transmitting member 129. When it is desired to eject coins from tube 57, solenoid 134 is energized so that at a predetermined point in the cycle thereof, portion 133 will be advanced into opening 117 to engage plate 111 in fixed relation and thereby reciprocate plate 111. By keeping solenoid 134 energized continuously, coins will be repeatedly ejected from tube 57 with each succeeding cycle of member 129. Thus, there has been provided means aforesaid for ejecting coins from tube 57 at a repetitive cyclic rate for a selected number of cycles as desired.

Therefore, it will be readily evident that inasmuch as member 129 can be reciprocated at an extremely high speed by means of the continuous rotating shaft 159 the coin ejection cycle can be quite fast.

While the coin handling unit thus described may fulfill many uses, a single example of such use has been shown somewhat schematically in FIGURES 6 and 7. In FIGURE 6 there is shown a bank of six coin handling units. Each unit accommodates a different one of the common denominations of United States coins. Various elements shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, which are identical to elements shown in the other figures bear similar reference numerals. It should be understood that with units arranged in a bank, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, many elements need not be duplicated for each unit. For instance, a single motor can be employed to operate all units.

A machine as shown in FIGURE 6 can be used as a coin changing device wherein an operator may change one or more coins into lesser denominations or conversely, may change a quantity of coins of smaller denomination into coins of greater denomination.

One arrangement for effecting control of such an apparatus is shown in FIGURE 7. With reference to FIGURE 7 and also to FIGURES 3 and 5 a microswitch feeler contact 103 is schematically shown disposed at the side of each slot forming the guide way 29 and arranged to extend into coin way 28 to contact each passing coin.

Referring to FIGURE 7, feeler contacts 103 each serve to operate switches which are shown connected not only to motor 35 but also to a predetermined counter '163. It should be realized that neither the predetermined counter 163 nor the circuit of FIGURE 7 itself, is considered to constitute the invention per se but that they are shown merely as an example of the use of the invention.

The predetermined counter 163 may be considered of the general type in which each of several inputs will cause a different count. Thus, a single closure of switch 103 causes an input on the counter generating five counts while closure of switch 103 causes a count of twenty-five. Plural closures of any one or more of switches 103 163 193 103 103 and 103 causes an accumulative count in the predetermined counter 163. As an example, a silver dollar and a fifty cent piece may be inserted into the machine whereby the switch 103; and 103 will be momentarily closed. Momentary closure of these switches will cause the predetermined counter to count fifty and one hundred respectively for a cumulative count of one hundred fifty. The predetermined counter 163 also includes outputs 1751, 1755, 17510, 17525, 17550, and 175100. Outputs occur on the various lines 175 when the count within the counter 163 is equal to or greater than the respective subscript. Thus, in the example given with a count of there will be an output on each of lines since the count is greater than each of the subscripts l, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100.

Each of lines 175 is connected to the coil of a relay 177. One relay 177 is associated with each of the units. Each relay includes a contact 179 which is connected in series with a manual switch 181 and the coin ejection solenoid 134 for each respective unit. Suitable mechanical means may be included if desired whereby only one of manual switches 181 can be depressed at any one time.

With potential applied to each relay 177, each contact 179 is closed. Upon closure of a manual switch 181, the associated coin ejection solenoid 134 will be operated. Consequently, in the example given manual switch 181 is energized to cause ejection of a coin from the quarter bank Q of FIGURE 6. Closure of manual switch 181 also closes a ganged switch 183 The closure of this latter switch causes an output along line 185,; leading back to counter 163. Each line 185 serves as an input o the counter in a subtractive manner. Thus, if counter 163 were considered as a rotating disc, inputs from switches 103 will cause a predetermined amount of rotation in one direction whereby inputs from lines 185 will cause a predetermined amount of rotation in the opposite direction.

As will be seen, where a switch 181 is kept depressed to repetitively eject the same denomination of coin, the ircuit providing subtractive input to counter 163 must be broken each cycle. Schematically shown in FIGURE 4, there is provided a microswitch element -191 adapted to open-circuit each associated line 185 every cycle of operation.

After the first depression of a switch 181Q the count within counter 163 will be reduced to one hundred twenty five, in the previously stated example. Upon twice maintaining the same switch 181 depressed, the count within counter 163 will be reduced to seventy-five. At this point, since the count is less than one hundred and, like switch 103, each of lines 185 causes a subtractive count having a magnitude dependent upon which line 185 is energized, voltage will be removed from the line 175 and relay 177 becomes de-energized thereby opening its respective contacts 179 At this point, depression of manual switch 181 will have no efiect. However, any of the other switches 181 may be depressed for further operation of the device until the count eventually reaches zero.

It will be evident that where the operator desires, for example, to change a larger denomination coin into a series of coins of smaller denomination, such as where several dollars may be deposited in a dollar unit of the apparatus for conversion into an equivalent amount in nickels, the operator can simply hold the manual switch 181 depressed until the correct amount of nickels have been ejected. Coins will be ejected at a high cyclic rate.

On the other hand where it is desired to quickly convert a large number of nickels, for example, into a larger denomination coin they can be fed in a virtual stream 9 rapidly into the nickel unit of the coin handling apparatus shown in FIGURE 6 for counting and recording in predetermined counter 163 whereby manual switch 181:; may then be depressed to eject dollars from an associated unit.

We claim:

1. Coin handling apparatus comprising means defining a coin receiving section arranged to receive a series of coins deposited through a slot at one end by an operator for delivery at the other end into a moving column of coins, conveyor means cyclically driven continuously in a predetermined direction to carry and form said coins into a column thereof arranged to move in the plane of the coins, motive means for moving said conveyor means continuously in said predetermined direction, and coin transfer means between said section and said conveyor means serving to receive and accumulate a plurality of coins constituting a bulk accumulation thereof from the coin receiving section and transfer said accumulation of coins individually to said conveyor means.

2. In a coin handling apparatus wherein a coin receiving section is arranged to receive coins deposited through a slot at one end by an operator for delivery at the other end into a column of coins arranged to move in a plane, coin transfer means serving to transfer coins from the delivery end of the receiving section to the entering end of the column, said transfer means comprising a cup having a wide mouth at one end and a slot, slightly thicker than a coin to be delivered, formed in the periphery of the cup on diametrically opposite sides thereof, the last named slot being adjacent and substantially coplanar with the bottom of the cup to pass a series of coins laterally out of the cup, said cup being mounted to be moved between coin receiving and coin delivering positions respectively disposing the mouth of the cup in coin receiving relation to said other end of the receiving section or disposing the last named slot to deliver coins therethrough into the plane of said column of coins, means for moving said cup between said positions, and means for moving the coins through the slot in said cup and into said column to advance the same therealong when said cup is in the last named position thereby transferring coins from said coin receiving section to said column.

3. In coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the column of coins moves upwardly at a steep angle, said cup being mounted to be swung from an upstanding coin receiving disposition to a coin delivering disposition carrying the slot of said cup substantially into the plane of said column of coins.

4. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the last named means includes conveyor means arranged to be cyclically driven continuously in a predetermined direction to arrange said coins in a column thereof moving along a path lying in a plane extending through the slot in said cup.

5. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the last named means includes conveyor means be arranged to be cyclically driven continuously in a predetermined direction to arrange said coins in a column thereof moving along a path lying in a plane extending through the slot in said cup.

6. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 3 further including means serving to retain coins in said cup during the movement of same from said coin receiving to said coin delivering positon and serving to resiliently urge coins in said cup toward the bottom thereof when in said coin delivering position.

7. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein the last named means comprises a member having an elongated arcuate finger disposed for pivotal movements into and out of said cup, snap-action, bi-stable, resilient means serving to urge said finger into and out of said cup, and means for engaging said member to carry said resilient means from one stable condition to the other during movement of said cup between said positions.

8. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 5 further including means forming an upstanding coin display column disposed in registry to receive coins from said conveyor means and serving to display said coins for inspection, a coin receiving tube disposed to receive and accumulate coins therein from the coin display column, and means selectively operable to eject coins in a series thereof from said tube.

9. Coin handling apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said tube includes a slot, slightly thicker than a coin of the kind to be delivered, formed on opposite sides of the tube and disposed substantially coplanar with the bottom thereof, said slot on one side of the tube being dimensioned to pass a series of coins laterally out of the tube, and means for selectively moving coins through the last named slot, the last named means comprising a plate movable into and out of the tube between advanced and retracted positions and forming, .in its advanced position, a false bottom in said tube to support a stack of coins thereupon, said retracted position being sufiiciently displaced to permit the stack of coins to move to a position supported on the true bottom of the tube, and means serving to selectively move said plate in a cycle, from one of said positions to the other and return, thereby ejecting a coin of said stack from said tube.

10. Coin handling apparatus comprising means defining a coin receiving section arranged to receive a series of coins deposited through a slot at one end by an operator for delivery at the other end into a moving column of coins, conveyor means cyclically driven continuously in a predetermined direction to carry and form said coins into a column thereof arranged to move in the plane of the coins, motive means for moving said conveyor means continuously in said predetermined direction, coin transfer means serving to receive and accumulate a plurality of coins constituting a bulk accumulation thereof from the coin receiving section and transfer said accumulation of coins individually to said conveyor means, means forming a coin display column disposed in registry to receive coins from said conveyor means and serving to display a face of said coins for inspection, coin receiving means, disposed to receive and accumulate coins therein from the coin display column, and means selectively operable to eject coins in a series thereof from said coin receiving means.

11. In coin handling apparatus, an upstanding cylindrical tube to receive coins therein, a slot, slightly thicker than a coin of the kind to be delivered, formed on opposite sides of the tube and lying substantially coplanar with the bottom thereof, said slot on one side of the tube being dimensioned to pass a series of coins laterally out of the tube, and means for selectively moving coins through the last named slot, the last named means comprising a plate movable into and out of the tube between advanced and retracted positions and forming, in its advanced position, a false bottom in said tube to support a stack of coins thereupon, said retracted position being sufficiently displaced to permit the stack of coins to move to a position supported on the true bottom of the tube, and means serving to selectively move said plate in a cycle, from one of said positions to the other and return, thereby ejecting a coin of said stack from said tube, said plate being formed to include a track portion, and the last said means including a power transmitting member cyclically movable along said track with respect thereto, motive means for moving said member in the cycle thereof, and means serving to selectively move said member into and out of fixed engagement with respect to said track portion to reciprocate said plate through said cycle thereof, said track portion defining an elongated slot extending along said plate and terminating at one end in an enlarged opening of greater dimension than the last named slot, said member being formed with a first and second portion, said first portion being dimensioned to fit within both the last named slot and said enlarged opening, said second portion being dimensioned to fit within said enlarged opening only, and electrically responsive means serving to move said member to position said second portion thereof into said enlarged opening at a predetermined point in the cycle of said member.

12. In coin handling apparatus, an upstanding cyclindrical tube to receive coins therein, a slot, slightly thicker than a coin of the kind to be delivered, formed on opposite sides of the tube and lying substantially coplanar with the bottom thereof, said slot on one side of the tube being dimensioned to pass a series of coins laterally out of the tube, and means for selectively moving coins through the last named slot, the last named means comprising a plate movable into and out of the tube between advanced and retracted positions and forming, in its advanced position, a false bottom in said tube to support a stack of coins thereupon, said retracted position being sufiiciently displaced to permit the stack of coins to move to a position supported on the true bottom of the tube, and means serving to selectively move said plate in a cycle, from one of said positions to the other and return,

thereby ejecting a coin of said stack from said tube, said plate being formed with an annular hole extending therethrough, an elongated slot extending from said hole and lying along said plate, the sides of the last named slot lying on the continuation of parallel chords of the hole thereby defining a slot of narrower dimension than the hole, and wherein the last said means includes a power transmitting member cyclically movable from said annular opening along said track and relative thereto, mo-

tive means for moving said member in the cycle thereof, said member being formed with a first portion having a dimension less than the width of the last named slot to permit said member to reciprocate therealong, said member having a second portion of greater dimension than the spacing between said chords and less than the di mension of said annular opening measured normal to said chords, and electrically responsive means serving to selectively move said member between advanced and retracted positions in a direction substantially normal to said plate to dispose said second portion within said annular opening to fix said member relative to said plate whereby reciprocation of said member in the direction of the last named slot serves to reciprocate said plate between said advanced and retracted positions thereof, motive means for reciprocating said member in the direction of the last named slot, and means serving to selectively move said member normal to said plate to carry said second portion into and out of engagement with said annular opening to selectively transmit the reciprocating movement of said member in the direction of the last named slot to said plate.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,934,839 11/1933 Bock et al. 1333 2,877,776 3/1959 Hoke 133 4 2,973,076 2/1961 Hatcher 133-4 x FOREIGN PATENTS 517,972 2/1940 Great Britain.

LOUIS J. DEMBO, Primary Examiner.

S. H. TOLLBERG, Assistant Examiner. 

1. COIN HANDLING APPARATUS COMPRISING MEANS DEFINING A COIN RECEIVING SECTION ARRANGED TO RECEIVE A SERIES OF COINS DEPOSITED THROUGH A SLOT AT ONE END BY AN OPERATOR FOR DELIVERY AT THE OTHER END INTO A MOVING COLUMN OF COINS, CONVEYOR MEANS CYCLICALLY DRIVEN CONTINUOUSLY IN A PREDETERMINED DIRECTION TO CARRY AND FORM SAID COINS INTO A COLUMN THEREOF ARRANGED TO MOVE IN THE PLANE OF THE COINS, MOTIVE MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CONVEYOR MEANS CONTINUOUSLY IN SAID PREDETERMINED DIRECTION, AND COIN TRANSFER MEANS BETWEEN SAID SECTION AND SAID CONVEYOR MEANS SERVING TO RECEIVE AND ACCUMMULATE A PLURALITY OF COINS CONSTITUTING A BULK ACCUMULATION THEREOF FROM THE COIN RECEIVING SECTION AND TRANSFER SAID ACCUMMULATION OF COINS INDIVIDUALLY TO SAID CONVEYOR MEANS. 